Electrode pad packaging systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell is disclosed. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. The valve may be configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. A method of packaging an electrode pad is also disclosed. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad, a wire and a shell. A valve on the shell allows air to exit the electrode pouch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit and priority of provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/795,382 filed on Apr. 27, 2006 and titledMETHODS OF CONSTRUCTING PACKAGING ELECTRODES, by Peter Meyer et al. Theentire contents of this application are hereby incorporated by itsentirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to packages for electrodes. Severalmethods and packages are disclosed for packaging electrodes, such asdisposable defibrillation electrodes. Generally, the disclosed methodsand packages facilitate the connection of defibrillation electrodes to adefibrillator prior to the electrodes being used on a patient, whileallowing the electrodes to maintain a sufficient amount of moisture tobe able to properly function.

Electrodes which are typically used in medical applications generallyinclude a conductor and a connector. The connector is attached at oneend to the conductor and includes a plug at the other end to be pluggedinto a defibrillator or other device. The conductor is often covered orcoated in a conductive gel, which enhances its ability to adhere to apatient's skin. When the conductive gel becomes too dry, it may lose itsability to adhere to a patient or demonstrate excessively high contactimpedance. To prevent the conductive gel from drying out, the electrodemay be stored in a package prior to use.

In a medical setting, there are often a variety of differentdefibrillators and electrodes at a clinician's disposal and it is notuncommon for several of the defibrillators and electrodes to havedifferent manufacturers. Compatibility among defibrillators (or othermedical devices) and electrodes of different brands is often lacking,which can cause confusion as to which particular electrode to use with agiven defibrillator. Thus, clinicians open electrode packages todetermine if the electrode (or electrode plug) is compatible with thedefibrillator (i.e., does the electrode plug fit into the receptacle onthe defibrillator?). As can be appreciated, testing electrodes in thisfashion leads to waste, as the electrodes that are not compatible arelikely to become too dry if not used in a timely fashion.

Further, in preparation for an emergency situation, clinicians mayperform as many steps as possible before such an emergency situationarises. For example, a clinician may prepare a defibrillator by“pre-connecting” a compatible electrode to the defibrillator.Pre-connecting a compatible electrode to a defibrillator when able toprevent rapid diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel reduces thenumber of steps that need to take place during an actual emergency.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an electrode pad packaging systemincluding an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillationelectrode pad), a wire and a shell. The electrode pad is disposed atleast partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from theelectrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of thewire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanicalcooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to aportion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon thatis configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch.

In an embodiment, the valve is configured to prevent air from enteringthe electrode pouch. It is also disclosed that the shell is configuredto receive at least a portion of the wire therethrough.

In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the electrode pouch is atleast partially formed of two sheets of a substantially gas-impermeablematerial. Additionally, a disclosed embodiment includes a conductive geldisposed on at least a portion of the electrode pad and furtherincluding a cover disposed adjacent the conductive gel.

In an embodiment, the electrode pouch is openable, such that opening theelectrode pouch enables the electrode pad to be removed from theelectrode pouch. Further, an embodiment of the electrode pad packagingsystem includes a string, such that at least of portion of the string issecured to the shell, and where the string facilitates the opening ofthe electrode pouch. In an embodiment, the shell remains attached to theelectrode pouch after the electrode pouch is opened.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of packaging anelectrode pad. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, anelectrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and ashell. The electrode pad is configured to be placed at least partiallywithin the electrode pouch. The wire is configured to extend from theelectrode pad. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the wire issecured to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperationwith the electrode pouch. The shell includes a valve configured to allowair to exit the electrode pouch. In an embodiment, the shell is securedto a portion of the electrode pouch.

In a disclosed embodiment, the valve is configured to prevent air fromentering the electrode pouch. Further, in an embodiment, the electrodepouch is at least partially formed of two sheets of a substantiallygas-impermeable material.

An embodiment includes a shell that is configured to receive at least aportion of the wire therethrough.

In another embodiment, a conductive gel is disposed on at least aportion of the electrode pad and a cover is disposed adjacent theconductive gel.

In a disclosed embodiment, the electrode pouch is openable, such thatopening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to be removed fromthe electrode pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of electrode packages are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrodepackage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the electrode package of FIG. 1A,wherein the electrode package is partially open;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the electrode package of FIGS. 1A-1B,wherein the electrode package is fully open and the electrode isrevealed;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrodepackage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view the portion of the secondembodiment of the electrode package indicated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the electrode package of FIG. 2A,wherein the electrode package is partially open;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the electrode package of FIGS. 2A and2C, wherein the electrode is revealed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrodepackage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electrodepackage of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electrode package of FIG. 3A,wherein the electrode package is partially open;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a fourth embodiment of an electrode package inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the electrode package of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an electrodepackage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the electrode package of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of an electrode package inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a first embodiment of extensible electrodelead wires including a tube in accordance with the present disclosureillustrated with lead wires in a non-extended manner;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the extensible lead wires of FIG. 7Aillustrated in an extended manner;

FIGS. 7C and 7D are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the tube ofFIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a second embodiment of extensible electrodelead wires including a strap in accordance with the present disclosureillustrated with lead wires in a non-extended manner;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the extensible lead wires of FIG. 8Aillustrated in an extended manner;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a third embodiment of extensible electrodelead wires in accordance with the present disclosure illustrated in anon-extended manner; and

FIG. 9B is a side view of the extensible lead wires of FIG. 9Aillustrated in an extended manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electrode packages will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein likereference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

A first embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with thepresent disclosure is generally referenced in FIGS. 1A-1C by referencenumeral 100. As will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, theelectrode package 100 generally includes an electrode pouch 110 whichencloses at least one electrode 120.

The electrode 120 includes an electrode pad 122 and an electrodeconnector 124. The electrode pad 122 is generally made of a conductivematerial and is adhered to a patient during a medical procedure. Theelectrode connector 124 connects the electrode pad 122 to a medicaldevice, such as a defibrillator (not shown). The electrode connector 124includes lead wires 126 which electrically connect the electrode pad 122to a plug portion 128. Additionally, a conductive gel (not shown) atleast partially covers the electrode pad 122 and is protected by a cover130. The cover may be any suitable sheet adhered to the electrode pad122 via the conductive gel. One possible sheet material issilicone-coated mylar. Other materials are also contemplated.

The electrode pouch 110 functions to maintain a sufficient amount ofmoisture therewithin to help prevent the conductive gel from becomingtoo dry. The electrode pouch 110 may be generally gas-impermeable. Overtime, however, the conductive gel will naturally lose at least a portionof its moisture content. A conductive pad 122 where the conductive gelis too dry is not optimal for medical use at least because conductivepad 122 may lose its ability to adhere to a patient or demonstrateexcessively high contact impedance.

To determine if the conductive pad 122 is compatible with a particulardefibrillator, for example, a clinician may attempt to plug theelectrode 120 into the defibrillator. In this embodiment, a user cantear the electrode pouch 110 open at a first notch 112 to expose itscontents, particularly plug portion 128 (see FIG. 1B). A score line (notshown) may be formed in electrode pouch 110 in line with the first notch112 to facilitate opening of the pouch 110.

At this point the electrode 120 may be tested for compatibility with adefibrillator. An example of when the particular conductive pad 122 isnot compatible is when the plug portion 128 is found to be incompatiblewith a receptacle of the defibrillator. If the conductive pad 122 isdetermined to be compatible and thus usable, the clinician may opt touse the electrode 120 in a timely manner or he may opt not to use itright away. If he desires to use the electrode 120 soon after the timehe tests it, the clinician can remove the electrode 120 from theelectrode pouch 110 and proceed to use it. If, however, he would notlike to use the electrode 120 right away, he can place the lead wires126 and plug portion 128 back into the electrode pouch 110 and resealthe electrode pouch 110 to help maintain the sufficient moisture contentof the conductive gel.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, to reseal the electrodepouch 110, a closure element 140 is used. FIG. 1B illustrates a closureelement 140 which includes a release liner 142 and an adhesive strip144. To reveal the adhesive strip 144, the release liner 142 is removed(e.g., peeled off). FIG. 1B illustrates the release liner 142 partiallypeeled off the adhesive strip 144. The electrode pouch 110 may then beresealed by compressing a top portion 150 of the electrode pouch 110with a bottom portion 152 of the electrode pouch 110. Thus, gas iscapable of entering the electrode pouch 110 during the time between theinitial opening of the electrode pouch 110 and when the electrode pouch110 is resealed. Alternatively, the release liner 142 may be affixed tothe upper portion 150 (or lower portion 152) of the electrode pouch 110,such that when the electrode pouch 110 is opened, the release liner 142is automatically removed. Further, other types of closure elements 140may be used, such as a mechanical sealing means (e.g., a zip-loc™-typeof seal).

Referring now to FIG. 1C, to remove the electrode 120 from the resealedelectrode pouch 110, the electrode pouch 110 can be re-opened by tearingit along a second notch 114 and accompanying score line (not shown), forexample. The portion of the electrode pouch 110 between the first notch112 and the second notch 114 may adhere to the lead wires 126. Ifdesired, this portion can be cut off to remove the excess material. Theelectrode 120 is then ready to be adhered to a patient.

A second embodiment of the electrode package in accordance with thepresent disclosure is generally referenced in FIGS. 2A-2D by referencenumeral 200. The electrode package 200 of this embodiment generallyincludes an electrode pouch 202, an electrode 220 and a grommet 240.

The electrode pouch 202 generally includes a first compartment 204, asecond compartment 206 and a channel 208 interconnecting the first andsecond compartments 204, 206. The electrode 220 generally includes anelectrode pad 222 and an electrode connector 224, including lead wires226 and a plug portion 228. The plug portion 228 enables the electrode220 to be plugged into a medical device, such as a defibrillator (notshown). Additionally, conductive gel (not shown) at least partiallycovers the electrode pad 222 and is protected by a cover 232.

The electrode pouch 202 may be formed of two sheets of material whichmay be sealed at or near their perimeters to form a generallygas-impermeable electrode pouch. Referring to FIG. 2A, the firstcompartment 204 of the electrode pouch 202 houses the plug portion 228and a segment of the lead wires 226 and the second compartment 206 ofthe electrode pouch 202 houses the electrode 220, a segment of the leadwires 226 and the grommet 240 which is connected to a portion of thelead wires 226. Alternatively, the grommet 240 may allow the lead wires226 to pass therethrough. The channel 208, as best illustrated in FIG.2B, spans the gap between the first compartment 204 and the secondcompartment 206 and allows a portion of the lead wires 226 to traveltherethrough.

In use, to remove the plug portion 228 and a segment of the lead wires226 from the first compartment 204, the electrode pouch 202 may be tornat a first notch 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, this exposes a segmentof the lead wires 226 and the plug portion 228, which can then beplugged into a medical device for testing and/or for use.

If a clinician is not ready to use the electrode 220, he may then pullthe segment of the lead wires 226 away from the channel 208, thuscausing the grommet 240 to become wedged into the channel 208 (asillustrated in FIG. 2C). It is envisioned for the channel 208 and thegrommet 240 to be shaped and sized such that the grommet 240 restrictsair flow from the ambient air into the second compartment 206, thuskeeping the moisture level within the second compartment 206, and morespecifically, the moisture level of the conductive gel, at a desirablelevel.

With particular reference to FIG. 2D, when the clinician is ready to usethe electrode 220, he may tear the electrode pouch 202 at a second notch212. This tearing of the electrode pouch 202 for the second time willexpose the electrode pad 222. To place the electrode pad 222 onto apatient, its cover 230 is peeled off to reveal conductive gel (notshown). The electrode pad 222 may then be adhered to a portion of apatient and the plug portion 228 may be plugged into a medical device.In this embodiment, it is envisioned for the plug portion 228 and thesegment of the lead wires 226 that were housed in the first compartment204 to be pushed or pulled through the channel 208 toward the electrodepad 222. This may result in the electrode 220 and the electrode pouch202 being completely separated.

A third embodiment of the electrode package in accordance with thepresent disclosure is generally referenced in FIG. 3 by referencenumeral 300. The electrode package 300 of this embodiment generallyincludes an electrode pouch 302, an electrode 320 and a shell 340.

The electrode pouch 302 is formed of two sheets of generally gasimpermeable material. The electrode 320 generally includes an electrodepad 322 and an electrode connector 324, which includes lead wires 326and a plug portion 328. The plug portion 328 enables the electrode 320to be plugged into a medical device, such as a defibrillator (notshown). Additionally, conductive gel (not shown) at least partiallycovers the electrode pad 322 and is protected by a cover 332.

The material comprising the electrode pouch 302 is sealed around itsperimeter. The shell 340 may be formed on the electrode pouch 302 andmay attach to the lead wires 326 to enable them to pass from the insideof the electrode pouch 302 to its exterior. Additionally, a check valve350 is located on the shell 340.

The check valve 350 is a one-way valve which permits air to escape theinterior of the electrode pouch 302, while preventing outside air fromentering the electrode pouch 302. Any check valve suitable for thisintended use is contemplated. Thus, the electrode pouch 302 is not gasimpermeable. As can be appreciated, this arrangement allows excess airto be dispensed from the electrode pouch 302 after the electrode pouch302 is sealed. Therefore, the size of the package may be reduced and thepossibility of the electrode pouch 302 becoming ruptured is alsoreduced.

Notwithstanding the one-way gas permeability, the electrode pouch 302 ofthis embodiment maintains the moisture of the conductive gel for asufficiently long period of time. The relative humidity of the interiorof the electrode pouch 302 will remain near 100%, thus preventing rapiddiffusion of moisture from the conductive gel to the interior of theelectrode pouch 302.

To remove the electrode 320 from the electrode pouch 302, one may tearopen the electrode pouch 302 along a notch 310 (two notches 310 areshown). There may also be a perforated line 312 disposed on theelectrode pouch 302 adjacent the notch(es) 310 to facilitate opening theelectrode pouch 302. Once the electrode pouch 302 is open, the electrode320 may be removed from the interior of the electrode pouch 302.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the electrode packageof FIG. 3 and is generally referenced by numeral 300 a. Similar to theprevious embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode package 300 aof the present embodiment includes an electrode pouch 302, an electrode320 and a shell 340 having a check valve 350. Here, however, shell 340is disposed near a corner of pouch 302 and a tear string 360 isconnected to shell 340 and pouch 302.

To remove electrode 320 from electrode pouch 302 in this embodiment, onemay tear electrode pouch 302 along notch 310 (disposed near a corner ofelectrode pouch 302), which detaches shell 340 from electrode pouch 302.When shell 340 is detached from electrode pouch 302, only a relativelysmall portion of electrode pouch 302 remains attached to shell 340. FIG.3B illustrates electrode pouch 302 which has been partially opened andwith shell 340 exposed. Continued pulling of shell 340 away fromelectrode pouch 302 causes tear string 360 to rip open the remainder ofthe top portion of electrode pouch 302, thereby permitting electrodes320 to be removed therefrom. When fully removed from electrode pouch302, shell 340 includes a relatively small portion of electrode pouch302 attached thereto and one end of tear string 360 extending therefrom(which can be removed by various methods if desired).

A fourth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in FIGS. 4Aand 4B and is generally referenced by numeral 400. The electrode package400 depicted in this embodiment limits the diffusion of moisture fromconductive gel 432 into the air, thus maintaining the moisture contentof the conductive gel 432. This embodiment includes an electrode 420,which includes a protective liner 422, conductive gel 432, a conductivesubstrate 434, an insulating layer 436, lead wires 438, an electrode pad440, a first membrane 442 and a second membrane 444.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, lead wires 438 connect theelectrode pad 440 to a plug portion (not shown). The conductive gel 432may be directly or indirectly applied to the electrode pad 440 to helpthe electrode pad 440 adhere to a patient. The conductive substrate 434may be disposed between the electrode pad 440 and the conductive gel432, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The protective liner 422 is disposedadjacent the conductive gel 432 (opposite the insulating layer 436) andit protects the conductive gel 432 prior to use of the electrode 420.The first membrane 442, which is generally gas-impermeable, isintegrated into (or connected to) the protective layer 422 to restrictthe diffusion of moisture from the bottom surface of the conductive gel432.

The second membrane 444 is generally gas-impermeable and it limits thediffusion of moisture from the top surface of the conductive gel 432.The second membrane 444 may be integral with or connected to theinsulating layer 436, or alternatively, the second membrane 444 may beintegral with or connected to the conductive substrate 434. Thus, theoverall moisture content of the conductive gel 432 remains sufficientfor an extended period of time, due in part to the first membrane 442limiting the amount of moisture loss from the bottom surface of theconductive gel 432 and the second membrane 444 limiting the amount ofmoisture loss from the top surface of the conductive gel 432. The firstmembrane 442 and the second membrane 444 may be made from variousmaterials, including a metal foil.

A fifth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in FIGS. 5Aand 5B and is generally referenced by numeral 500. The electrode package500 of this embodiment of the present disclosure includes a firstelectrode 510 a and a second electrode 510 b (FIG. 5B), a protectiveliner 520, conductive gel 530, adhesive rings 540 a and 540 b,conductive layers 550 a and 550 b and gas-impermeable membranes 560 aand 560 b. Lead wires 511 a and 511 b extend from the electrodes 510 aand 510 b, respectively, to a plug portion (not shown) for connection toa medical device (not shown), such as a defibrillator.

This embodiment of the disclosure restricts the diffusion of moisturefrom the conductive gel 530 to the air within the interior of theelectrode packaging. Generally, two electrodes 510 a and 510 b arereleasably adhered to either side of the protective liner 520. Theprotective liner 520 generally protects the conductive gel 530 prior touse of the electrodes 510 a, 510 b and is removed (e.g., the electrodes510 a, 510 b are peeled from the protective liner 520) before theelectrodes 510 a, 510 b are applied to a patient.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, adhesive rings 540 aand 540 b are disposed around the conductive gel 530. The adhesive rings540 a and 540 b may help prevent the conductive gel 530 from spreadingradially and they may also provide a surface to which the conductivelayers 550 a and 550 b may adhere. The conductive layers 550 a and 550 bmay be disposed of a generally gas-impermeable material, such asaluminum, and may help mitigate the moisture loss from the conductivegel 530. Other materials from which the conductive layers 550 a, 550 bmay be made include various metal foils, such as tin, silver, oraluminum.

The gas-impermeable membranes 560 a, 560 b are integrated with or aredisposed adjacent the conductive layers 550 a, 550 b, respectively.These gas-impermeable membranes 560 a, 560 b help impede the diffusionof moisture from the conductive gel 530. Additionally, at least one ofthe gas-impermeable membranes 560 a, 560 b may be made of foam or afoam-type material. Other materials from which the gas-impermeablemembranes 560 a, 560 b may be made include a metal foil, such as tin,silver, or aluminum.

It is envisioned that because the design of the electrode package 500 ofthe fifth embodiment minimizes moisture loss from the conductive gel530, the electrode package 500 may or may not be stored in a secondarygas-impermeable pouch (not shown) or gas-permeable pouch (not shown). Aprotective packaging (not shown) may be employed to protect thestructural integrity of the electrode package 500 during packaging,transport, storage, and the like.

A sixth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in FIG. 6 andis generally referenced by numeral 600. The electrode package 600according to this embodiment includes an electrode pouch 610, anelectrode 620 and a sacrificial source of moisture 640.

In this embodiment of the electrode package 600, the electrode pouch 610may be either generally gas-impermeable or gas-permeable. Within theelectrode pouch 610 is an electrode 620 and a sacrificial source ofmoisture 640. The electrode 620 includes an electrode pad 622 adhered toa cover 630 via conductive gel (not shown), and an electrode connector624, which includes lead wires 626 and a plug portion 628. It isenvisioned that the electrode pouch 610 is re-sealable. In such anembodiment, the electrode 620 can be tested prior to use and then placedback into the electrode pouch 610 and re-sealed.

The sacrificial source of moisture 640 is generally located within theelectrode pouch 610 and may be in the form of a solid hydrogel with highwater content, for example. Additionally, the sacrificial source ofmoisture 640 may be attached to the interior of the electrode pouch 610such that it remains inside the electrode pouch 610 when the electrode620 is removed.

Generally, in electrode pouch 610, moisture may diffuse over time fromits interior to the exterior of the electrode pouch 610. This movementof moisture would typically require moisture from the conductive gel todiffuse into the air within the electrode pouch 610 to maintain chemicalequilibrium. The presence of the sacrificial source of moisture 640provides an additional source of moisture, which will diffuse into theair within the electrode pouch 610 to help maintain the chemicalbalance. The degree and duration of time of release of the sacrificialsource of moisture 640 may be selectively controlled with the properchoice of source materials. The sacrificial source of moisture 640thereby reduces the amount of moisture that diffuses from the conductivegel. Therefore, this embodiment of the electrode package 600 reduces thediffusion of moisture from the conductive gel to the air within theinterior of the electrode pouch 610. Consequently, the moisture contentof the conductive gel is maintained at a desirable level for a longerperiod of time than it would be without the use of the sacrificialsource of moisture 640.

In use, a clinician may open the electrode pouch 610 (possiblyfacilitated by a notch 612), test the electrode 620 for compatibility,and then either remove the electrode 620 from the electrode pouch 610for use, or place the electrode connector 624 back into the electrodepouch 610, and possibly re-seal the electrode pouch 610, for later use.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9.These figures illustrate various embodiments of storing lead wires 126within an electrode pouch (not shown in FIGS. 7-9). Generally, in theseembodiments, a longer quantity of lead wires 126 may be stored withinelectrode pouch while reducing the possibly of lead wires 126 becomingtangled or otherwise snarled. In these various embodiments, lead wires126 are extensible, thus facilitating their use and the ability of plugportion 128 to be plugged into a medical device, while reducing thepossibility of lead wires 126 becoming tangled either within or outsideof the electrode pouch. A first embodiment of extensible lead wires 126is shown in FIGS. 7A-7D. In this embodiment, a retaining structure ortube 700 is employed to maintain lead wires 126 in a desiredorientation. As seen in FIG. 7C, the cross-section of a tube 700 a isgenerally circular and includes a slot 702 therethrough. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7D, the cross-section of a tube 700 b, whichdoes not include a slot, is illustrated.

With reference to the embodiment of tube 700 a illustrated in FIG. 7C,slot 702 allows tube 700 to be placed over lead wires 126. In theembodiment of tube 700 b illustrated in FIG. 7D, it is envisioned thatlead wires 126 are threaded through tube 700 b and then subsequentlyconnected to electrodes 120 and/or plug portion 128.

Although tube 700 is illustrated in FIGS. 7C (tube 700 a) and 7D (tube700 b) as having a circular cross-section, it is envisioned that thecross-section of tube 700 may be any regular or irregular shape, suchthat tube 700 allows at least a portion of lead wires 126 to slidetherethrough. It is also envisioned that tube 700 is formed around thelead wires 126.

With reference to FIG. 7A, lead wires 126 are shown in a relativelylarge loop (which fits into an electrode pouch) and passing through tube700. Lead wires 126 may either be threaded through tube 700 b, forexample. Additionally or alternatively, tube 700 a, for example, may beplaced over looped lead wires 126. From these configurations, lead wires126 are able to be pulled away from electrodes 120. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, tube 700 is secured to the interior of the electrodepouch.

It is envisioned that tube 700 of the present embodiment is used incombination with an embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 or independently thereof. Assuch, lead wires 126 may be pulled either while electrodes 120 arewithin electrode pouch and/or after electrodes 120 have been removedfrom electrode pouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires 126 may take upa smaller amount of space when lead wires 126 pass through tube 700. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a first diameter d1 of loop oflead wires 126 when not extended may be about 5 inches and a seconddiameter d2 of loop of lead wires 126 when extended (or partiallyextended) may be about 1 inch. It is contemplated that tube 700 may beremoved from lead wires 126 or alternatively, tube 700 may remain onlead wires 126 after electrodes 120 have been removed from electrodepouch.

A second embodiment of extensible lead wires 126 is shown in FIGS. 8Aand 8B. In this embodiment, a strap 800 is employed to maintain leadwires 126 in a desired orientation. Strap 800 may include a Velcro® hookand loop fastener and/or a different suitable type of adhesive materialfor securing strap 800 to itself or to lead wire 126. Strap 800 may alsoinclude a non-adhesive material (e.g., a foam-type material) incombination with an adhesive material. In a disclosed embodiment, it isenvisioned that the non-adhesive material contacts lead wires 126 andthe adhesive material does not come into contact with lead wires 126. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a loop of lead wires 126 is formed and strap800 maintains lead wires 126 in position.

According to the present disclosure, it is envisioned that an end ofstrap 800 is secured to a lead wire 126. It is also envisioned thatstrap 800 is not secured to either of lead wires 126, i.e., strap 800attaches to itself. In a contemplated embodiment, strap 800 is looselysecured around lead wires 126, thus allowing at least a portion of leadwires 126 to be pulled therethrough. It is also envisioned that aportion of strap 800 is secured to interior of electrode pouch.

It is envisioned that strap 800 of the present embodiment is used incombination with an embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 or independently thereof. Assuch, lead wires 126 may be pulled either while electrodes 120 arewithin electrode pouch (not shown) and/or after electrodes 120 have beenremoved from electrode pouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires 126 maytake up a smaller amount of space when lead wires 126 are secured bystrap 800. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a first effectivelength L1 of lead wires 126 when not extended may be about 45 inches anda second effective length L2 of lead wires 126 when extended (orpartially extended) may be about 80 inches. It is contemplated thatstrap 800 may be removable from lead wires 126 or alternatively, strap800 may remain on lead wires 126 (as illustrated in FIG. 8B) afterelectrodes 120 have been removed from electrode pouch.

A third embodiment of extensible lead wires 126 is shown in FIGS. 9A-9B.In this embodiment, lead wires 126 include a coiled section 900 a (FIG.9A). Coiled section 900 a maintains lead wires 126 in a desiredorientation and minimizes the amount of space necessary to store leadwires 126 (e.g., in an electrode pouch) without lead wires 126 becomingtangled. FIG. 9A illustrates the lead wires 126 having coiled section900 a (similar to a telephone cord) and FIG. 9B illustrates lead wires126 having an uncoiled section 900 b.

It is envisioned that coiled section 900 a of the present embodiment isused in combination with an embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 or independentlythereof. As such, lead wires 126 may be pulled, resulting in an uncoiledsection 900 b, either while electrodes 120 are within electrode pouch(not shown) and/or after electrodes 120 have been removed from electrodepouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires 126 may take up a smalleramount of space when lead wires 126 include coiled section 900 a.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a first effective length L3 oflead wires 126 having coiled section 900 a may be about 45 inches and asecond effective length L4 of lead wires 126 having uncoiled section 900b (or partially uncoiled) may be about 80 inches. That is, when a userpulls lead wires 126 (e.g., from plug portion 128) which include coiledsection 900 a, lead wires 126 extend and result in uncoiled section 900b. Further, it is contemplated that releasing lead wires 126 havinguncoiled section 900 b results in a coiling of lead wires 126, thusre-forming coiled section 900 a.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely adisclosure of particular embodiments and is in no way intended to limitthe scope of the disclosure. Other possible modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within thescope of the present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that toopen an electrode pouch, one may cut it rather than tearing it. It isfurther envisioned that in the embodiment having a notch on theelectrode pouch, there may be a notch (or notches) disposed at bothsides of the electrode pouch (illustrated in FIG. 3). Additionally, aperforated line (also illustrated in FIG. 3) may disposed adjacent anotch, or in place of a notch, to facilitate opening the electrodepouch. It is still further envisioned for several of the disclosedembodiments to be used in combination with each other. For example, theelectrode packages of the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments may beused within the electrode pouch of the first, second, third, fourth orfifth embodiments. Other combinations are also anticipated and withinthe scope of the present disclosure, including the inclusion of asacrificial source of moisture in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5.Additionally, one or more than one electrode may be present in any ofthe disclosed embodiments.

1. An electrode pad packaging system, comprising: an electrode pouch; anelectrode pad disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch; awire extending from the electrode pad; and a shell disposed inmechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch, the shell including avalve thereon, wherein the valve is configured to allow air to exit theelectrode pouch, wherein the shell is configured to receive at least aportion of the wire therethrough.
 2. The electrode pad packaging systemof claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to prevent air from enteringthe electrode pouch.
 3. The electrode pad packaging system of claim 1,wherein the electrode pouch is at least partially formed of two sheetsof a substantially gas-impermeable material.
 4. The electrode padpackaging system of claim 1, further including a conductive gel disposedon at least a portion of the electrode pad and further including a coverdisposed adjacent the conductive gel.
 5. The electrode pad packagingsystem of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wire is secured tothe shell.
 6. The electrode pad packaging system of claim 1, wherein theelectrode pouch is openable, such that opening the electrode pouchenables the electrode pad to be removed from the electrode pouch.
 7. Theelectrode pad packaging system of claim 6, further including a string,at least of portion of the string being secured to the shell, andwherein the string facilitates the opening of the electrode pouch. 8.The electrode pad packaging system of claim 1, wherein the shell issecured to a portion of the electrode pouch.
 9. The electrode padpackaging system of claim 6, wherein the shell is secured to a portionof the electrode pouch and wherein the shell remains attached to theelectrode pouch after the electrode pouch is opened.
 10. The electrodepad packaging system of claim 1, wherein the electrode pad includes adefibrillation electrode pad.
 11. A method of packaging an electrodepad, comprising: providing an electrode pouch; providing an electrodepad configured to be placed at least partially within the electrodepouch; providing a wire configured to extend from the electrode pad; andproviding a shell disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrodepouch, wherein the shell includes a valve configured to allow air toexit the electrode pouch, and wherein the shell is configured to receiveat least a portion of the wire therethrough.
 12. The method according toclaim 11, wherein the valve is configured to prevent air from enteringthe electrode pouch.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein theelectrode pouch is at least partially formed of two sheets of asubstantially gas-impermeable material.
 14. The method according toclaim 11, further including a conductive gel disposed on at least aportion of the electrode pad and further including a cover disposedadjacent the conductive gel.
 15. The method according to claim 11,wherein at least a portion of the wire is secured to the shell.
 16. Themethod according to claim 11, wherein the electrode pouch is openable,such that opening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to beremoved from the electrode pouch.
 17. The method according to claim 11,wherein the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch. 18.The method according to claim 11, wherein the electrode pad includes adefibrillation electrode pad.
 19. An electrode pad packaging system,comprising: an electrode pouch; an electrode pad disposed at leastpartially within the electrode pouch; a wire extending from theelectrode pad; and a shell disposed in mechanical cooperation with theelectrode pouch, the shell including a valve thereon, wherein the valveis configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch, wherein at leasta portion of the wire is secured to the shell.
 20. The electrode padpackaging system of claim 19, wherein the valve is configured to preventair from entering the electrode pouch.
 21. The electrode pad packagingsystem of claim 19, wherein the electrode pouch is at least partiallyformed of two sheets of a substantially gas-impermeable material. 22.The electrode pad packaging system of claim 19, further including aconductive gel disposed on at least a portion of the electrode pad andfurther including a cover disposed adjacent the conductive gel.
 23. Theelectrode pad packaging system of claim 19, wherein at least a portionof the wire is secured to the shell.
 24. The electrode pad packagingsystem of claim 19, wherein the electrode pouch is openable, such thatopening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to be removed fromthe electrode pouch.
 25. The electrode pad packaging system of claim 24,further including a string, at least of portion of the string beingsecured to the shell, and wherein the string facilitates the opening ofthe electrode pouch.
 26. The electrode pad packaging system of claim 19,wherein the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch. 27.The electrode pad packaging system of claim 24, wherein the shell issecured to a portion of the electrode pouch and wherein the shellremains attached to the electrode pouch after the electrode pouch isopened.
 28. The electrode pad packaging system of claim 19, wherein theelectrode pad includes a defibrillation electrode pad.
 29. A method ofpackaging an electrode pad, comprising: providing an electrode pouch;providing an electrode pad configured to be placed at least partiallywithin the electrode pouch; providing a wire configured to extend fromthe electrode pad; and providing a shell disposed in mechanicalcooperation with the electrode pouch, wherein the shell includes a valveconfigured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch, and wherein atleast a portion of the wire is secured to the shell.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 29, wherein the valve is configured to prevent airfrom entering the electrode pouch.
 31. The method according to claim 29,wherein the electrode pouch is at least partially formed of two sheetsof a substantially gas-impermeable material.
 32. The method according toclaim 29, further including a conductive gel disposed on at least aportion of the electrode pad and further including a cover disposedadjacent the conductive gel.
 33. The method according to claim 29,wherein at least a portion of the wire is secured to the shell.
 34. Themethod according to claim 29, wherein the electrode pouch is openable,such that opening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to beremoved from the electrode pouch.
 35. The method according to claim 29,wherein the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch. 36.The method according to claim 29, wherein the electrode pad includes adefibrillation electrode pad.